The Ministry of Energy and Mining has presented the draft Green Hydrogen Development Program, the first strategic document of its kind in the region, positioning Montenegro as an active participant in the European energy transition.
Minister Admir Šahmanović emphasized that Montenegro not only follows European and global trends but aims to be among the countries leading them.
Green hydrogen is gaining increasing importance across Europe and worldwide. The program reflects Montenegro’s knowledge, vision, and commitment to being part of this change. It is the result of expert analysis and broad consultation.
The program is fully aligned with Montenegro’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and European goals. Its purpose is to enable safer, cleaner, and more efficient energy use across sectors such as industry, transport, heating, and system balancing with growing renewable energy sources.
Green hydrogen is a key energy carrier that can significantly contribute to decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors like heavy industry and transport. It also allows storage of surplus renewable energy for later use, explained Zorana Sekulić, Director General of the Directorate for Oil and Gas.
The program sets clear targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050, includes an action plan, and provides a framework for regulatory, infrastructural, and market development.
Green hydrogen produces only water as a byproduct, and Montenegro has strong potential for its development thanks to abundant solar and wind resources.
Currently, less than 4% of hydrogen worldwide is “green,” with over 95% produced from fossil fuels, leaving ample room for growth.
To strengthen domestic production and reduce costs, state support and investments are necessary.
The draft program was developed with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) by an experienced, multidisciplinary consulting team.
Adoption of the document is planned for Q4 2025 as part of commitments under the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, the Sofia Declaration, and the Paris Agreement.
The ministry stressed that only through open dialogue and joint efforts can smart and sustainable solutions for Montenegro be created.
